How can I request a copy of a court record?

Judicial records are not subject to the Open Records Act which guides most governmental records. Instead, court records are guided by Rule 12 of the Rules of Judicial Administration. All requests for court records or case dispositions, including Military Requests, are to be submitted in writing to the Court Administrator, and signed by the requestor. We will accept signed faxes or emails with signature capability. Request must specify information sought. Requests from a governmental agency must be on agency letterhead. Method of release must be specified—either mail to requestor, fax or pick-up at the court window.

How can I get my court date rescheduled?

Arraignment dates (dates on the citation or initial court summons) cannot be rescheduled. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to take care of your citation at the court office prior to your court date. (For example: requesting DSC, paying your fine, showing your proof of insurance, inspection or registration and paying a dismissal fee.) You will need to contact the court at 281.997.5900 for more information on your options.

May I mail in my payment?

CHECKS ARE NOT ACCEPTED. You may mail a money order made out to “Pearland Municipal Court.” A payment received in the mail is considered a “no contest” plea. Juveniles must appear in court and cannot pay fines in advance. Minors (under the age of 21) charged with an alcohol related offense, or tobacco (under the age of 18), must appear in court and cannot pay fines in advance.

May I make payments on the telephone?

You may not make payments over the telephone. You can use your credit/debit card at our court office or you may pay online here. Juveniles must appear in court and cannot pay fines in advance. Minors (under the age of 21) charged with an alcohol related offense, or tobacco (under the age of 18), must appear in court and cannot pay fines in advance.

What do I need to know if I am representing myself?

Conduct
Pro Se parties (individuals representing themselves without an attorney) should be prepared to present their cases in a proper manner. It is not the court’s duty or responsibility to represent you, instruct you on court procedure, evidence, or rules, or how to present and prove your case. Be on time.

Hats, caps, scarves, bandanas or headgear except with permission from the judge.

Shoes are required.

Appeal and Motion for New Trial

All appeals and motions for new trial shall be in conformity with the requirements set forth by the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure as it is interpreted by the appellate courts. The Pearland Municipal Court is a court of record. In order to appeal a decision of this court, you must order a complete record. We will not record these proceedings unless you make a written request for a recording prior to trial.

How can I find out about my future trial date?

If you enter a plea of Not Guilty and request a trial, the court will inform you of the pretrial conference and/or any future trial dates set. It is your responsibility to keep copies of your paperwork, to remember this date, and to see your case through to final disposition.

Who can I submit a complaint to?

Any persons with complaints regarding treatment (not relating to the Judge's finding or appeal of the case) by court staff may appear in person or submit their complaint in writing and direct said complaint to the Court Administrator, at 281.997.5900.

How can I have an insurance ticket dismissed?

To have a ticket dismissed for Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility (No Insurance), you must provide proof that you, the driver or the vehicle involved was insured at the date and time the citation was issued. If the effective date is the same as the citation date, verification will be required from the insurance company as to the time the policy was purchased.

Am I eligible for Driving Safety Course (DSC)?

You may be eligible for a Driver's Safety Course if you were cited for a moving offense, and if you have not had a course in the previous12 months. You may not be eligible for the DSC if any one of the following applies to your offense:

speeding 25 mph or more over the speed limit;

driving 95 miles per hour or more;

·offense committed in a construction or maintenance zone when workers are present;

passing a school bus loading or unloading children;

leaving the scene of a collision after causing damage to a vehicle that is driven or attended;

leaving the scene of a collision and failing to give information and/or render aid;

serious traffic violation; and

·offense committed by a person who held a commercial driver’s license at the time of the offense or holds a CDL at the time of the request for DSC, including when the person is driving his or her own personal vehicle.

TO REQUEST TO TAKE THE DRIVER SAFETY COURSE FOR YOUR CITATION PRIOR TO YOUR COURT DATE: Present yourself to a court clerk. You must enter a plea of No Contest or Guilty, request to take the Driver's Safety Course, and sign an Affidavit attesting that you have not completed a Driver's Safety Course in the past 12 months. Additionally you must furnish the Court with:

2. A copy of proof of insurance showing your name as an insured driver.
3. Payment of the administrative court fee. Payment must be made at the time of the request and in the form of cash, money order, and Visa or Mastercard.Payment for DSC may not be made online. Upon Court approval, you will be given 90 days to complete the course and provide proof with the Certificate of Completion and a certified copy of your driving record obtained by the Department of Public Safety.

Where is my ticket filed?

How do I request a payment plan?

If you enter a no contest or guilty plea, and you appear on or before your initial appearance date, but would like to request additional time to pay your citation in full, you may request a monthly payment plan. If you choose to request a payment plan, you must complete the application in full, and submit it with your plea and request.

Please note that if you request a payment plan, pursuant to the Local Government Code, Sec. 133.103, an additional $25.00 will be assessed on each violation, unless you pay the entire balance in full within 30 days from the date of judgment.

Please contact the court with any questions.

How should payment be made for my citation?

The Court accepts payment by cash, money order, and Visa or Mastercard. Credit card payments are accepted online.Juveniles must appear in court and cannot pay fines in advance. Minors (under the age of 21) charged with an alcohol related offense, or tobacco (under the age of 18), must appear in court and cannot pay fines in advance.

Does a telephone call constitute an appearance?

A telephone call or email message does not constitute an appearance. Any requests for action on a case must be made in writing or in person, and must include an original signature and photo identification.